Investigation of screen addiction in early childhood between 2-5 years and anxiety status of parents

ABSTRACT Investigation of Screen Addiction in Early Childhood Between 2-5 Years and Anxiety Status of Parents Aim: This study was conducted to examine the screen addiction of children aged 2-5 years and the anxiety of their parents. Material and method: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 306 children aged 2-5 years and their parents registered in family health centers in Of district of Trabzon. Sociodemographic Data Form, "Technology Addiction Scale for Ages 2-5 (TAS)", and "Spielberg State Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Trait Anxiety Scale (TAS)" were used to collect the data. Independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Levene's test, multiple comparison test (Bonferroni or Tamhane's T2) were used to evaluate the data. Path analysis was used for model testing and Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the scales. Results: The technology addiction scale for ages 2-5 has a statistically significant positive effect on the state anxiety scale (β:0.16, p:0.000) and a statistically significant positive effect on the trait anxiety scale (β:0.25, p:0.000). State anxiety scale has a statistically significant positive effect on trait anxiety scale (β:0.58, p:0.000). In addition, it was determined that the state anxiety scale (β:0.095, p:0.042) played a mediating role in the effect of the 2-5 years technology addiction scale on the trait anxiety scale. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was observed that parents' anxiety levels increased when the time their children spent in front of the screen increased and that healthy parent-child interaction is important in preventing screen addiction in children. Key Words: Parents, Screen addiction, Early childhood, Anxiety